A flexible asset operation strategy for demand/supply balance in electrical distribution grids

The penetration of distributed generation, namely photovoltaic (PV) power generation, into electrical distribution grids over the past few years has generated multiple challenges for grid operators in terms of planning, monitoring, and control of the these grids. In this paper, a flexible asset management scheme is proposed, whose goal is to reduce the supply/demand gap while upholding the French distribution grid operator's regulatory voltage constraints. The strategy provides a smart operation planning for a distributed generator (a biogas plant) and a storage system (water tower) connected to a small-scale distribution grid with significant penetration of PV power generation, in order to balance its power demand and supply over 24 hours and maintain voltage levels within prescribed margins.